Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law

Aung San Suu Kyi wrote that the lifeblood of democracy is the will of the people as observed in their deeds: becoming and maintaining a democratic government takes individual commitment, individual work and time. Universal human rights is where a democracy must begin, not end. Democracy is not holidays and parades, not even simply voting (although that, too, has meaning). What Aung San Suu Kyi articulated was a synthesis of her philosophical and political thinking: The first step any legitimate government takes is the universal observance of everyone's individual human rights. A true government is also one based on principles, the rule of law. The only legitimate means of achieving such a government are non-violent. To bring about such a government, great personal and collective self-discipline is required.

Do Aung San Suu Kyi's collective public writing and speaking outline a plan...